A confidential dossier accessed by India Today has alleged a large-scale security crackdown by Pakistani authorities in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK) between June 5 and June 9, claiming that the operation resulted in significant civilian casualties and widespread repression of anti-government protests.
According to the dossier, the crackdown targeted activists and supporters of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a movement that has been campaigning against rising inflation, unemployment, economic hardship, and what it describes as human rights violations in the region.
The report alleges that Pakistani security forces launched a forceful operation against protesters across several parts of POJK. It claims that dozens of people were killed during the violence, although the exact casualty figures remain difficult to independently verify due to restrictions on communications and media access in the affected areas.
Among the most serious allegations contained in the dossier are claims that 19 children and seven pregnant women lost their lives during the security operation. The report calls for an independent international investigation into the incidents and urges global human rights organisations to examine the allegations.
The dossier further claims that approximately 14,000 security personnel from mainland Pakistan were deployed throughout the region to suppress the protests. According to the report, security forces allegedly used live ammunition against demonstrators as well as against individuals participating in funeral processions and mourning gatherings.
Another allegation made in the document concerns restrictions on communication networks. The report states that internet services and other communication channels were curtailed across parts of the region, allegedly to prevent information, videos, and documentation of the crackdown from reaching the outside world.
The dossier also alleges that several leaders associated with the JAAC movement were either killed, injured, or detained during the operation. It raises questions regarding the role of the Pakistan Army in planning and overseeing the security response and calls for international scrutiny of command responsibility.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs has criticised Pakistan and accused it of attempting to divert attention from alleged human rights issues in the region through misinformation campaigns. India stated that it had observed what it described as a pattern of fake news and misleading content originating from Pakistan and argued that such efforts were intended to deflect attention from developments in POJK.
The Indian government also referred to reports of alleged police excesses and human rights concerns in the region and expressed hope that the international community would examine the situation closely and hold those responsible accountable if violations are established.
Pakistan, however, has presented a different version of events. According to Pakistani authorities, the operation was launched after protesters allegedly engaged in violent activities, including what officials described as "guerrilla-style" attacks involving firearms and petrol bombs. Authorities have argued that security measures were necessary to restore law and order.
Despite the crackdown, demonstrations reportedly continued in several areas, including Mirpur, Muzaffarabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, Rawalakot, Sudhnoti, Dadial, and Tattapani. Protest groups have reportedly continued organising rallies and mobilising supporters despite communication restrictions and warnings from authorities.
The unrest has also attracted international attention. Members of the Kashmiri diaspora staged demonstrations in the United Kingdom, including protests outside Pakistani diplomatic facilities. The issue has begun to draw political interest in Britain as well.
According to reports, around 30 British parliamentarians have written to the UK government urging diplomatic engagement aimed at reducing tensions and encouraging a peaceful resolution to the situation. The lawmakers reportedly expressed concern regarding allegations of arrests, restrictions on communications, and reports that some British nationals may have been affected by the crackdown.
The situation remains highly contested, with competing narratives emerging from Indian authorities, Pakistani officials, protest groups, and media reports. Many of the allegations contained in the dossier have not yet been independently verified, and the full scale of the events in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir remains unclear as investigations and international scrutiny continue.
